The sparring over water occurred during debate on an urgent matter of public importance in the Lower House.

Persad-Bissessar cited recent news headlines of water woes in areas such as Todds Road, Chatham, Lopinot, Penal, Moruga, St Barb’s (Laventille), Maracas and Las Cuevas.

“It seems to be a widespread problem.

I have had first hand experience. What has happened?” Citing promises made in the People’s National Movement 2015 general election manifesto of sustainability in water supply, she said, “About 20 months later they have failed miserably.” She said people now face “pain and trauma” as WASA is allegedly not fulfilling its own water delivery schedule, leaving some people to pay $1,000 per truckload illegally.

Persad-Bissessar said if there is no shortage in the nation’s reservoirs, public complaints of non-supply must be due to poor management of water distribution. She asked how schools or tourist hotels could function without a water supply.

Hinds, in reply, cited news headlines from 2011, 2013and 2015 all lamenting water shortages saying it is nothing new, as he accused Persad-Bissessar of trying to create panic.

He said WASA has told him that the water- levels in their reservoirs are now “above average”. He proposed using the Madamas River as a new source of water supply.

Hinds estimated that 50 percent of WASA’s water supply is lost in leaking pipelines. He challenged an Opposition claim to have supplied 73 percent of all homes.

The venue, the opponent and the match situation were different in 2015 when Richards got Merry Boys over the line with a straight six and a two in a tense last over against Queen’s Park with 15 runs required at the National Cricket Centre in Couva.

Chasing 147 for victory on Friday night, Merry Boys simply needed six runs in the final over with captain Richards and former West Indies batsman Lincoln Roberts at the crease. Richards, a fast bowler but no slouch with the bat, delivered with a six over square leg off Jahran Alfred to guide Merry Boys to 147 for five in 19.1 overs. Richards ended on seven not out, while Roberts was on 14.

The victory for Merry Boys ended the dream run by Central Sports who had previously defeated 2016 champs Queen’s Park in the quarterfinals and Powergen in the semis.

Earlier in the chase, it was opener Amir Jangoo who spoiled Central’s chances of winning the title. Jangoo struck 74 off 54 deliveries with six fours and five sixes. The opening partnership between Jangoo and Mario Belcon was worth 30, before a mixup between the pair led to the run out of Belcon for seven. The Red Force pair of Jangoo and Isaiah Rajah then placed Merry Boys in a commanding position with an 86-run second wicket partnership.

Jangoo and Rajah combined aggression and good running between the wickets to frustrate Central Sports. Kristopher Ramsaran was punished in the 11th over as Jangoo brought up his 50 off 42 balls with a six, followed by a four and a six both on the leg side as the spinner conceded 18 runs in the over. Merry Boys were cruising to victory at 115 for one after 14 overs, but in stepped spinner Kissoondath Magram to grab the wickets of Rajah (28) and Ranga Lachana (0) both leg before.

Roberts eased the tension for Merry Boys with a straight six and a four through covers.

Jangoo was then caught at long on, before Rishaad Harris was bowled by Royston Crandon for five to leave Merry Boys on 140/5 in 18.4 overs. Richards and Roberts, though, avoided any further damage to guide Merry Boys over the line.

When Central Sports batted, they were reduced to 55/5, before a 91-run partnership between Alfred and Crandon took them to a respectable 146/7 at the close of the innings. Alfred struck 56 off 34 balls with two fours and four sixes, while Crandon ended on 30 not out. Harris (4-0-27-4) and Richards (4- 1-10-3) shared the wickets for Merry Boys.

After the victory, Richards boasted that Merry Boys have been playing solid cricket throughout the season.

“It really is a good feeling, last year we did not have a good run and this year we became champions.

We have been playing good cricket, we are on top in the 50 overs (competition) and we have now become champions in the T20 (competition),” he said.

On hitting the winning runs for the team again, Richards explained that staying calm is important in T20 cricket. “I don’t feel nervous, because in these situations you need to try and be calm because in T20 the momentum shifts at any point in time, so the coolest head will prevail.”

Launched on April 12, at the Hilton Trinidad, St Ann’s, it is one of the more recent steps taken by the National Ozone Unit to help the country comply with the Montreal Protocol.

Dr Marissa Gowrie, deputy environmental manager and national ozone officer in the Environmental Policy and Planning Division of the Ministry of Planning and Development, explained, “Several countries came together in the 1980s and agreed to phase out ozone depleting gases but the gases affect the ozone differently… Trinidad and Tobago signed on in August 1989.” Some of the gases include refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs); the fumigant Methyl bromide; Halon, a fire suppressant; and more.

She noted the industry overlapped with many other sectors including tourism; the storage and transport of fish, meats, fruit and vegetables; the industrial sector; the medical sector with respect to operating theatres, the storing of vaccines, and even the morgue.

Gowrie told Sunday Newsday the Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association (ARIA) noticed a lack of professionalism and accountability in the industry. The organisation felt it critical to address these issues given the various sectors it services and so approached the ministry.

“For many years ARIA has been voicing that they were seeing a lot of practices they would not endorse. Because of the very rapid changes in technology and refrigerants, a technician needs to be kept abreast, must keep themselves current, and, let’s face it, as a consumer you assume the technician would give you the best technical advice because you don’t know better.” Therefore, the Ministry of Planning, ARIA, the National Training Agency (NTA), and other training schools created a professional certification for the Refrigeration and AC Industry.

A Body of Knowledge was developed as a text of basic technical knowledge a technician is required to know and is available on the NTA website and the National Ozone Unit’s ozone blog. “It was developed in a manner to appreciate that there are people who may have never gone to a formal school to learn the trade. The Body of Knowledge is aligned to what they should know.” When the online exam is written, the technician would get the result immediately.

For people who are not computer literate, the NTA has a system where a proxy would sit with the person and provide assistance. Those who pass are then certified, recognising that “they are at a certain level, and do a certain quality of work.” They are then issued a license that is valid for three years.

“In addition, NTA has developed, and are developing further, something called Skills TNT. If someone comes to you and says, ‘I’m an air conditioning technician,’ you can log on to Skills TNT and see reviews of their work, if it is they are in fact registered, similar to what Ebay has for sellers.

It gives a level of power to the consumer as well as another level of accountability to the sector.” In order to renew the license, the technician is expected to present a portfolio of work done over the previous three years to the NTA, a record of how they have kept themselves current, and reviews from customers.

“There are things that a technician can do to keep current that may not cost him any money but just shows due diligence on the part of the technician given the fact that this is such a dynamic field and will continue to be a dynamic field.” Gowrie said one reason the field was so dynamic was because of the addition of alternative refrigerants, changes in the law, as well as changes in the Montreal Protocol. She noted that in October 2016, Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol stated that one alternative refrigerant, a hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), would be phased out because, while it was not damaging to the ozone, it was a green house gas, causing climate change and global warning.

To assist technicians, she said the National Ozone Unit hosted free webinars (online seminar), which they would try to develop on a more regular basis in order to provide free training, as well as keep technicians up-to-date on what was happening in the air conditioning and refrigeration field.

Now, Jo-Zette (or Jo as her friends and colleagues call her) runs Maternity Mode, a boutique that carries a diverse selection of maternity clothing ranging from maternity work wear to casual wear to statement pieces for formal occasions. Additionally, Maternity Mode provides a growing range of products for expectant mothers and babies, including nursing bras, reusable nursing pads, baby sleeper, and postpartum underwear.

Yet, Jo is adamant that Maternity Mode is more than a business pushing its products: “At Maternity Mode, we celebrate the lifestyle of motherhood, we spread education, and strive to create a platform for women and their partners,” she says of the holistic approach the business has and the support they hope to lend to expectant parents.

Through partnerships with organisations throughout TT (such as the Breastfeeding Association of Trinidad and Tobago), the business hopes to also become a resource base for parents-to-be. “We see ourselves as a conduit of information – connecting soon-to-be mums with these institutions that provide valuable services.” The seedling of the idea for a maternity-focused boutique first came to Jo six years ago when her sister, a medical doctor, became pregnant and asked Jo to source pieces of maternity clothing for her upcoming journey. It was an opportunity to style her sister throughout her entire pregnancy – picking appropriate, budget-friendly pieces which could be mixed and matched for numerous occasions and moods – an opportunity Jo says helped her come to the realisation that women did not have to compromise personal style or comfort during pregnancy.

“What also stood out about that experience,” she continues, “was the confidence boost I observed in my sister; the fact that while her body was changing she could feel better about the process since she could dress appropriately and feel beautiful during each trimester.” In a society that places inordinate amounts of emphasis on physical and outward appearance, Jo says styling her pregnant sister contributed to a greater appreciation for the value of clothing in boosting self-confidence and uplifting one’s perspective. However, it wasn’t until a few years later after obtaining her Master’s in Public Administration and Business Administration and working in the corporate world, she decided to branch out on her own and further explore her interests in the business of fashion while also maintaining a business consultancy firm.

It was while working at this firm she first started Maternity Mode, which was then operating out of her one-bedroom apartment with her first customers being colleagues, friends, and her sister.

“After conducting some market research and doing my due diligence in terms of financial planning, I knew it made sense for me to take the risk and fully develop Maternity Mode on a full-time basis,” she says of the premeditation and planning necessary to enter a new business venture.

She reveals she never imagined owning a business would be so work-intensive claiming “it always looks easier from the outside”, but she continues to take each day with stride. The business, borne out of her passion to become an entrepreneur, is a testament to the entrepreneurial blood that runs in her veins.

“My father was self-employed for most of his life, so I like to tell people that, in a way, it was in my blood,” she quips, adding that when she decided to take the monumental step of leaving her full-time position with an international firm for the unsure path of entrepreneurship, she had both parents’ support.

“I also feel personally connected to mothers because I have such a tremendous one who made many personal sacrifices to ensure that my sisters and I had opportunities and access to more than she did,” she comments on why a business that serves mothers and mothers-to-be is one of her passions.

“Mothers play a major role in society and nation-building and it brings me joy to be part of that process, to interact with mums-to-be and to be taken along their journey.” She mentions that fathers have also visited her store, “and I take that opportunity to share information with them and let them feel very much part of the process.” Jo highlights that the total well being of her customers is her priority. In terms of products, attention is paid to value-for-money and the boutique’s services include styling, concierge options, and event planning services offering varying degrees of convenience based on the needs of individual clients.

“Confidentiality and great customer service is very important to us because many people have varied family structures and personal stories, so we strive to make our customers feel comfortable,” she describes the quality of service she provides.

In addition to such services, the boutique is open to listening to their clients and adjusting their services and product portfolio to respond appropriately to such needs. Maternity Mode’s mission, according to Jo, is to meet the fashion and lifestyle needs of the niche demographic of pregnant women and new mothers, as well as help mothers and their partners embrace the journey to and through motherhood.

Yesterday, Saturday May 6, Maternity Mode hosted its premier “Moms and Mocktails” event at the Fanatic Kitchen Studio. In addition to the appetisers, non-alcoholic cocktails, and music, the feature speaker invited to address guests was clinical psychologist, Dr Linda Gunpath of Elders Associate Limited. Jo says the carded topic of discussion, “Finding the Me in Mom(me)” is a pertinent topic that addresses the evolving identity of the woman as she transitions to motherhood.

She hopes to host more “Moms and Mocktails” events later this year and says the goal is to offer her clients their own intimate space on the social life spectrum where they can network with others going through similar life experiences, as well as walk away more empowered and informed.

“Our vision is that one day, we can say that Maternity Mode is a household name and synonymous with anything – and everything – maternity, mummy, and baby-related,” she says of her hopes for her business, with its delicate marriage of practical products and services as well as holistic client interventions that hope to enhance the path to and through motherhood for new parents.

Ramroop, 33, of the Transit Police Unit based at the Vehicle Management Corporation of TT (VMCOTT) in Portof- Spain, remained warded in a serious condition at hospital up to yesterday.

Police investigators said that at about 8.45 pm on Friday, the off-duty policeman was walking along the Eastern Main Road, Curepe, where the driver of a white Tiida car pulled alongside him.

The driver and another male occupant got out and dragged him into the car, then sped off.

An anonymous caller contacted police who issued an allpoints bulletin.

At about 3.30 am yesterday, officers of the Highway Patrol Unit based in Debe, were on patrol along the north bond lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway where they found Ramroop near the Forres Park flyover.

Police said Ramroop had several injuries to his body and was unconscious.

His hands were bound behind his back with his handcuffs with his feet in a tie strap.

A tie strap was around his neck to secure the plastic bag over his head.

Police said the men also robbed him of $300.

Officers of St Margaret’s Police Station also visited the scene and Ramroop was taken San Fernando General Hospital.

A motive is yet to be established, but police of the Southern Division believe the abductors beat and threw Ramroop from the car, having discovered he is a police officer.

Police also commended the Highway Patrol Unit for their keen observation.

“They were patrolling and saw him on the grass at the roadside.

“They were very observant and should be commended.

The officer (Ramroop) is lucky to be alive. Maybe if he had a personal firearm he could have protected himself,” said an officer.

St Joseph and St Margaret’s police are continuing investigations.

Headlining the show, Smith has a lot of weight on his shoulders but is up to the challenge of representing this country. The 21 year old has been in continuous training for the past six years and is eager to test his skill against his Surinamese opponent.

“Expect a great fight, training camp has been intense thus far, and my coach is ensuring I am fully prepared. I will do TT proud,” said an enthusiastic Smith. Supporting Smith in his aspirations is building contractor company Kee-Chanona Ltd. A representative of the company said that they have seen the potential in Smith and hope to assist on his journey to the top.

The event, promoted by Fine Line Fight Factory, promises to be another exciting card in the Central area. Fine Line will also bring the top two local super middleweights in the ring – Vimal Jagoo and Andell Lakhan – with the national welterweight title on the line. Jagoo and Lakhan have been challenging each other for more than a year, and this match-up promises a lot of fireworks from the first bell.

Rounding out the kickboxing line-up will be up-and-coming talent from several fight gyms throughout TT. Eight bouts are scheduled along with karate demonstrations. The Local Wrestling Association will also make an appearance at the midway stage.

Promoter Bharrath Ramoutar had to postpone the event previously but assured the event will take place on May 20.

“These youths are training daily and diligently, they will not be disappointed again. Sponsorship is hard to obtain but we do have a few who are willing to make this event a reality for the athletes, and we would like to express our thanks and appreciation to them,” he said.

Sponsors on board so far include the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), Chaguanas Auto Supplies, Monisec Security and Bodyguard Services, Toby’s Bar, Fan Zone, V&N Auto Supplies, Evolution Fitness and Francis Townhomes.

Tickets are available at the Fine Line gym, Centre City Mall (both in Chaguanas) and Rough House (St James). For more information contact 772-9640 or 763-1187.

Golden Oldies cricket, which started in 1984 in Auckland, New Zealand, is built around the spirit of fun, friendship and fraternity.

Over the years a number of ex-Test players have featured for various teams in this well established event that has previously been staged in New Zealand, Australia, England, Sri Lanka and Canada.

About 50 teams will be gathering in Barbados for this world event, coming from Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa and Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

The Leatherbacks outfit will travel with a party of 23 including former West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago player Brenda Solozano, the lone female player in the squad.

The Leatherbacks recently hosted the Occidental Cricketers of Australia in a pre-tournament game at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy at Tarouba.

The full touring party includes Larry Sooklalsingh, Angela Sooklalsingh, Suresh Lallan, Patricia Mahabir, Brenda Solozano, Bobby Solozano, Gangadayne Jaglal, Deal Ali, Nizam Khan, Baldath Mahabir, Rumona Mahabir, Hafiz Mohammed, Sherry Mohammed, RJB Singh, Fazad Khan, Balkaran Ramkissoon, Davanand Roopnarine, Pramesh Scheult, Ramesh Pamsumair, Shawn Francis, Phagoo Soomai, Kalaparsad Sanise and Vasant Rambarran.

At the top of the list was playing the guitar pan with Panorama winner Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, which performed MX Prime’s runaway Road March winner, Full Extreme.

His involvement with winners continued as he assisted in arranging Five Star Akil’s Different Side of Me for his former primary school, St Margaret’s Anglican of Belmont, which placed first in the Junior Panorama.

The strapping six-footer played the double seconds with Valley Harps, of Petit Valley for the Panorama finals; the three-cello with St Margaret’s Super Stars in their performance of Bacchanal by GB Neutron; and with two single pan bands – Harlem Syncopators and Scorpion Power Boats.

In addition to this heavy pan workload, Larrier, a graduate of Trinity College in Moka, is a second year student at the University of Trinidad and Tobago pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, with an emphasis on the steelband.

“The vibes from playing with different bands, learning different styles of how to play and arrange, will help me,” he said of his attachments to the various bands. He loves classical music, R&B, reggae, jazz and actually “anything, depends on what the engagement calls for”.

Larrier’s love of music goes back to his deceased mother, accompanist at the All Saints Anglican Chapel of Ease, Maraval, who passed away about five years ago. He and his 18-year-old sister Ariel have since been cared for by their aunt, Jacqueline Douglas.

Larrier started music in standard three.

“My mother also played the guitar besides the piano and organ, and both my parents played pan.” However, under the astute guidance and care of his aunt, he has learned to balance academia, pan and travelling to and from their home in Carenage.

As he works towards his degree, Larrier is certain about his love of music but not yet sure where it will take him. However, his overriding wish is “to be the next arranger for All Stars”.

Addressing supporters yesterday at the UNC Couva South auditorium, after a motorcade and rally on property tax, Persad-Bissessar directed them to log on to website of Massy Holdings Ltd .

“Go on website, who is this man here listed as a director? This man not so young. He is the elder Young. His name is Richard Young .

I call upon the young man, who is an official of the Government, to explain what part was played, if any, as minister in office of the PM and as the younger of the Youngs,” she said while waving documents .

On Tuesday, majority stateowned Telecommunications Services of TT (TSTT) signed a share purchase agreement to buy 100 percent of the shares of Massy Communications for $255 million .

Young subsequently said Cabinet members were not privy to the purchase .

Yesterday, the Opposition Leader further pointed out that businessman Robert Bermudez, Government’s appointee as UWI Chancellor, was also listed as a non-executive director of Massy Holdings .

“He is the man that the Minster of Education jumped in front to say is the chancellor of UWI. This is a serious matter — quarter billion dollars of taxpayers’ money. I cannot believe that TSTT will be so mad to spend quarter billion dollars and nobody knows about it,” Persad-Bissessar added .

She provided statistics telling supporters that based on Massy’s website, there are 3,500 subscribers each paying $450 monthly which amounts to $1.5 million .

Persad-Bissessar added: “I call on the Prime Minister to tell us whether he knew and whether Young knew about this deal. That is $18 million yearly which is not even profit. Is that making economic sense?” Persad-Bissessar noted that Parliament ended at about 2 am yesterday shortly after Caroni Central MP Dr Bhoe Tewarie stood up to make his contribution on the midterm budget review. “They shut him down. So, while we are fighting the (property) tax, they are running away with the piggy bank. They sold out to a company and there was no due diligence,” she said

On May 2, TSTT CEO Dr Ronald Walcott announced the company had signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100 percent of Massy Communications Limited.

NJAC in a release yesterday stated that such a significant transaction involving a substantial amount of public funds “should not be shrouded in secrecy, especially at a time when citizens are being faced with so much economic hardship and increasing taxation” NJAC also stated it considered the alleged failure of the TSTT board to disclose this acquisition to the Finance Minister, and by extension the Cabinet, “to be a direct breach of the law governing State enterprises as outlined in the State Enterprises Performance Monitoring Manual.

The party also pointed out that chapter three of the manual states that “State Enterprises or their subsidiaries are required to obtain prior approval of the Minister of Finance for the acquisition of significant assets, new investments in non-government securities, the incurrence of new/additional long-term debt and entering into significant contracts (relative to the company).” NJAC pointed out that is in accordance with the Incorporation Act No. 5 of 1973, Chapter 69:03.

“NJAC is also in total disagreement with the chairman of TSTT, Mr Emile Elias, that the acquisition of Massy Communications by TSTT, is an operational decision, and therefore falls within the remit of management. NJAC is of the view that any decision by a corporation, either private or public, that would have a long term effect on the entire direction of the firm is a strategic one. The responsibility for strategic decisions within state enterprises lies strictly with the board of directors.

“NJAC therefore calls for full transparency and accountability in this matter involving TSTT and Massy Communications.”